The Cancer Education Video PSA Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Augusta University began in 2013 as a vehicle to engage communication students in informing their peers about the new tobacco-free campus requirements, when the Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University merged. Subsequently, the interdisciplinary collaboration between the Georgia Cancer Center and the AU Department of Communication has featured many cancer-related topics relevant to young adults.

The collaboration’s cancer-topic assignment has been integrated into video production, television production, video editing, multi-media production, and health communications undergraduate courses. Hundreds of students have participated. Beginning in 2014, the entire AU campus and the public have opportunities to vote for their “Audience Favorite” video, helping to extend the assignment and health-related message outside of the classroom.

Collaboration Goals

  • To expand student learning opportunities in video production by providing ‘real world experience’ in producing a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on a cancer-related topic for a client, the Georgia Cancer Center.
  • To impart communications theory and video pre-production, production, and post-production skills and to facilitate students’ development in the communications field.
  • To cultivate public health leaders of the future by encouraging students to use their video production and storytelling skills to impart accurate, evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention information persuasively and compellingly.

Contact Us

Christine O'Meara, MA, MPH

Health Sciences Campus

Georgia Cancer Center - M. Bert Storey Research Building

1410 Laney Walker Blvd., CN-1179D, Augusta, GA 30912

(706) 721-8353

comeara@augusta.edu

Student Quotes

“I thought they [vapes] were a 'healthier alternative' when, in fact, they are definitely not.”

“Being able to share my uncle’s story and just learning more about how tobacco use affects you.”

Video Competition and Awards

Student filmmakerThe Video PSA competition evolved naturally to recognize student-produced videos of outstanding caliber. It is a vehicle to recognize students’ creativity, talent, and exceptional work. The award categories reinforce both storytelling and the application of video production skills. A panel of judges comprised of content experts, communications and video-production professionals, and faculty assess all of the video submissions. Judges apply objective criteria and select videos worthy of merit. Consensus is fundamental to the winnowing and selection process.

The Video Competition culminates in a semesters’ end Awards Ceremony to show case winning videos, to enable producers to convey remarks about their experience, and to present certificates and prizes. The competition helps incentivize students, increases engagement, raises awareness, and adds an element of excitement. Students incorporate the videos and their awards into their portfolios. The competition elevates the video production assignment. It is  assimilated into the lore of the Communication Department. 

Core Awards

Periodically the judges’ panel adds other award categories such as Humor/Comedy, Best Animation, Special Effects, Cinematography, and Special Merit based on the quality and characteristics of the video submissions. Currently core awards include:

 

Best Message/Representation of Theme

The Best Message/Representation of the Theme emphasizes the given topic with an emphasis on conveying information accurately and clearly.

Storytelling/Storyline Originality

The Storytelling / Storyline Originality Award spotlights the creativity, imagery, and conveyance of the theme’s narrative and visual depiction.

Videography

The Videography Award distinguishes the technical aspects of pre-production (planning and logistics), production (composing camera shots, acting, and execution), and post-production (editing, and mixing).

Comedy/Humor

The comedic video makes people laugh, provokes joy and entertains. It creates an emotional connection between the health topic and the viewer through storytelling.

Harmonic Convergence

The Harmonic Convergence Award combines all components of the message content, character development, videography, sound, and editing into a product that emerges as the best overall.

 

Jagwire News

Voting underway for student films about colorectal cancer

A group of Augusta University students want to educate you about colorectal cancer. Your job, decide which student created the best video to make their goal a reality.

Partnership and a PSA give students real-life experience

A class project turning students into filmmakers shows how powerful partnerships between Augusta University’s Summerville and Health Sciences Campuses can be.

Winners announced for 2016 Obesity PSA Video Competition

Seven winners chosen in Cancer Center’s 2016 Obesity PSA Video Competition.